Thread: Another Language Virus

There has been a global decline in the use of "proper" language.
I work at a university and during a typical week I will interact with students from six or more different countries. The foreign students typically speak and write in proper English, but the writing and speaking of their native tongue is less than proper. I accept the fact that when dealing with a foreign language I may not understand every word exactly and have to get the gist of what is being said, but sometimes due to "improper language" skills on their part I have no clue what they are talking about. Babelfish and google translate often cannot translate their "improper language" either.

I apparently suffer from the same problem. I have been told on several occasions that my Spanish and Italian is spoken more proper than my English. As Leatherstockigns indicated, that is probably caused by lack of exposure to foreign slang and too much exposure to English slang.

As for our American students and their misuse of the English language, I find it appalling. I know my use of English isn't always correct, but I should be able to understand an email written from another American. Sometimes that is not the case and I have to "translate" their English. It really makes me sad if I realize that it is an education major that has sent an incomprehensible message. The future for the proper English language as I know it does not look so bright.

Originally Posted by criswilson10

I have been told on several occasions that my Spanish and Italian is spoken more proper than my English.

More PROPERLY.

I promise that I will stop now!

There are worse offenses like using "that" all the time.

I learned my rules of grammar when I learned Spanish in H.S. Most folks don't have a clue about proper english however languages are not static they evolve. Ever read an original version of "the canterbury tales"?

The worse thing in the world is the word "irregardless". That really chaps my hide.